Chapter 72 - Just Once (2) (1/2)

Ch. 72 Just Once (2)

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“That day, who tried to destroy Flower Bridge? Was it the Grand Duke of Lunen?”

Paveluc currently ruled over the grand duchy of Lunen. But despite Elena’s expectations, Carlisle shook his head.

“No, but you seem to think poorly of my uncle. The other time you told me to beware of him.”

He spoke of the night she first rescued Carlisle. She nodded in reply.

“I believe that the he will eventually reveal his teeth and try to take the throne.”

She couldn’t say that she knew the events of the future, but she could still give him warning.

“Possibly. But he is not the biggest obstacle to me becoming an emperor.”

“Then…is it the Empress?”

While she did not forget that the Empress was the most powerful actor now, Elena placed heavier emphasis on Paveluc as he had taken the throne in the future.

“Yes. It is the emperor’s second son and my brother Redfield that threatens to take the throne now. The Empress and the Anita family have a strong history.”

“Then they were the ones that tried to destroy the bridge?”

“I believe so. The Anitas are the only ones who can do so while avoiding the eyes of the Imperial Family. I know it’s them, but it’s hard to find evidence. We’re still interrogating the men you’ve captured, so hopefully something will turn up soon.”

“They seemed well trained. I’m worried.”

“We might have to manipulate the evidence.”

The Empress’s position was more powerful than she thought. Although Elena already knew that because of Kuhn, she had a feeling that the Empress would become a major obstacle in the future. In her past life, Paveluc killed the Empress Ophelia. But would another future unfold if she had not died?

Carlisle continued in a subdued voice.

“Everyone’s attention will be on you from this time on. Even more so after we announce the wedding. Just like the warning you gave me before, I too will say something.”

Elena gave a faint nod. Carlisle’s low voice broke through her brooding thoughts.

“…Beware the Empress.”

Carlisle’s eyes instantly turned sharp. She caught a glimpse of anger lying beneath the surface, like a volcano poised to explode. Maybe the Empress Ophelia would be the one who she would encounter most after becoming crown princess. While the emperor ruled the empire, it was the empress who ruled the household. It was a power that had been handed down only to the empress from generation to generation.

‘I must be prepared for sure.’

Elena was not a prominent member of society and it would be difficult to position herself. But Elena spoke firmly, reassuring him not to worry.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll never get caught easily.”

At the same time, Elena made her vow to herself once again. Soon after she turned towards the brightly lit ballroom.

“Shall we go back to the battlefield?”

It would still be awhile until the ball would be over, and she was worried about Mirabelle. Encountering Paveluc had thrown her off, but at this rate the longer she stayed out here with Carlisle the wilder would gossip would grow. This was already enough.

“Alright. Let’s go back.”

Carlisle held out his hand and Elena gently took it.

“This place doesn’t seem unfamiliar, somehow.”

Freesia Palace. She hadn’t been to many balls held by the Imperial Court, but she felt like she had seen this place before.

As Elena looked around at her surroundings, Carlisle was watching her profile quietly.

“I always thought the necklace would look good on you, but…”